28 October 09 - 18:56Savers now seek investments
The way people save has undergone a fundamental shift, but not a lot of people have noticed the change.
Traditionally, savers would put their money away into a savings
account, where the interest rate would be reasonably competitive, could
vary from time to time, with higher rate accounts offering higher
returns the less you touched your money (ie, notice accounts).
Those people with a lot of money to save would often look to save their
money in multiple accounts with multiple savings providers, and those
in the higher income bracket would probably focus more on saving into an offshore bank account.
While there were additional options for tax-free saving, such
as TESSA's, PEP's, then ISA's, and variations on savings such as the
premium bonds, that was as complicated as it got. ...
(more)
20 October 09 - 15:22Changing broadband supplier
Well, it looks as though I'm finally moving ISP from Zen back to BT broadband, as I just called Zen for a MAC code.
It's a shame, really, as Zen has a far better reputation for service
and support than BT, but the problem of wireless interference is a
constant and annoying problem.
Plus BT are offering mobile broadband with their new broadband packages, and free BT openzone minutes, which will be very useful for business travel.
The caveat is that the pricing on the BT website is quite
misleading, as those shown only apply to certain exchanges (apparently)
plus they include ...
(more)
20 October 09 - 14:31Economic problems continue
The more I read about the impact of the financial crisis in the UK,
the more it feels that the UK is doomed economically, and that the best
option now while you have cash in Great British Sterling is to cash out
and move aborad to somewhere more financially sound - ie, not
threatened with collapse by the weight of its own debt.
That may seem somewhat alarmist, but despite the claims of "green
shoots" earlier in the year, we have not seen any signs that the
economy is returning to normal. In fact, anything but, and that at best
we're moving into a "lost decade" similar as to what happened to Japan.
Britain's debt to GDP is spiralling out of control, and even
measures to reduce costs being mooted by Labour and the Conservatives
...
(more)
